MERTON: FILM BIOGRAPHY

No quick, easy answers are offered in this psychological Iranian drama that offers a fascinating nonjudgemental glimpse of middle-class Iranian life and the cultural crisis faced by some contemporary Middle Eastern couples torn apart by simultaneously attempting to lead more Westernized lives while still adhering to traditional customs and values. The story centers on the crisis of a middle-aged executive in a thriving import-export company, Hamid Hamoun. He dreams of becoming a writer, but cannot and therefore feels like a failure. He also teaches English part-time. Much of his turmoil comes from his internal conflict. On one hand, he feels different from his fellow Iranians, like he doesn't fit in. On the other, he has no choice but to obey the strict laws of his conservative society. He frequently, and violently, vents his frustrations upon Mashid his wife. Deeply unhappy, she tires of being bullied and tries to get a divorce. Unfortunately, Islamic law only allows divorce in certain circumstances, and since wife-abuse is pretty much accepted, she cannot. Hamoun is devastated to discover that his self-absorption has nearly cost him his neglected wife. Together, they try to reach out and rebuild their fragmented lives.